When F1, the much-anticipated racing drama starring Brad Pitt, hit theatres on June 27, eagle-eyed fashion enthusiasts noticed something unexpected — a deep blue shirt with intricate detailing that looked like nothing off a typical Hollywood rack. That’s because it wasn’t. The piece came from Indian fashion label 11.11/eleven eleven, and it carries with it a rich tradition that dates back centuries.

The indigo cotton shirt, crafted using the rare Tangaliya weave, was handpicked by renowned costume designer Julian Day — the same visionary who dressed Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody and Elton John in Rocketman. For F1, Day was tasked with building the wardrobe for Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver drawn back into the adrenaline-fueled world of racing.

“I didn’t want him to look overly polished or too rugged — it had to feel lived-in, but with soul,” Day told News18. “This shirt from 11.11/eleven eleven hit the mark. That soft, dusty indigo worked beautifully on camera.”

Day explained that the choice wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was also a nod to the shifting fashion tides. “There’s a real appreciation now for garments that tell a story. Indian brands like 11.11 are making waves globally, and for good reason. Their work with organic fabrics, natural dyes, and traditional techniques is really resonating.”

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Founded by Himanshu Shani and Mia Morikawa, 11.11/eleven eleven has carved a niche for itself by embracing slow fashion in a fast-paced world. The brand’s focus is rooted in heritage textiles and ethical production, with artisans at the heart of every creation.

The shirt worn by Pitt was woven using the Tangaliya technique — a method so niche that only a few communities in Gujarat’s Surendranagar and Kachchh districts still practise it. The process involves twisting colored threads into the weft to create tiny bead-like patterns, known as dana, that emerge like constellations across the fabric’s surface. Each shirt takes nearly 10 hours to assemble, involving a team of eight craftsmen.

What’s more, the indigo shade wasn’t achieved through synthetic dyes. Instead, it was the result of an age-old fermentation process using 100% natural fructose, a method as time-intensive as it is eco-friendly.

Pitt wears the shirt with a classic pair of faded jeans in the film, capturing an effortlessly cool look that blends rustic charm with modern edge. It’s a quiet standout in a high-octane film directed by Joseph Kosinski (of Top Gun: Maverick fame), where every detail counts. The cast also includes Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon.

In an era where “sustainable” has become a buzzword, this is one example where the fashion choice feels authentic, not performative — a piece that carries not just craftsmanship, but context.